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Situated on the Beagle Strait, Ushuaia is the largest city in ArgentineTierra del Fuego, and arguably the southernmost city in the world. In the past, the town has been a missionary base, penal colony and naval base for the Argentine navy. Ushuaia is now a major tourist town, complete with casinos and nice restaurants, and commonly used as a base for hiking, winter sports and cruises to Antarctica.

In the late 19th century, the land that is now called Ushuaia was inhabited entirely by Yamana Indians and a handful of missionaries. At the time of writing (October 2005), there is allegedly one pure-blooded native-speaking Yamana Indian left. An excellent book on the history of the Yamana and their demise is The Uttermost Part of the Earth by E. Lucas Bridges, the son of one of the early missionaries. His father, Thomas Bridges, documented what he could of the Yamana language and found that it had a far larger vocabulary than the English language. Darwin, who famously sailed through the Beagle Channel, thought that the Yamana, were "the missing link".

Today the town is growing fast as a result of increased tourism since the 2002 economic crash. The government has encouraged this growth by designating Tierra del Fuego a virtually tax-free zone to encourage people to settle (many of the inhabitants of today's Ushuaia come from Chaco, in the north of Argentina). The cost of living however, is relatively high as all goods have to be transported long distances, usually by container ship. Inflation is rampant even in USD terms, expect your guide-book to be well out of date and prices to be double or triple a few years ago.

Climate-wise, Ushuaia is warmer than many assume; although (arguably) the southernmost city in the world, it is no further south than Belfast is north, and temperatures rarely drop below -10°C. However, summers tend not to climb much above +12°C and, as in all of Patagonia, strong winds add a significant wind chill factor.

There are daily flights to Ushuaia – Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH) on Aerolineas Argentinas [1] and LAN flights [2] from Buenos Aires. LAN Chile, through its LAN Express services, flies daily from Santiago de Chile, stopping over in Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas. Flights can be booked from the Aerolineas Argentinas [3] office, as well as from some local travel agencies. The local LAN Chile [4] representative is the Rumbo Sur travel agency. LAN Chile tickets can be purchased online; With Aerolineas Argentinas [5] you can make a reservation online but the ticket must be purchased in person at an Aerolineas office within 24 hours (Jan 2008).

Buses from/to all destinations (apart from Puerto Natales) all stop at Rio Gallegos. It can be cheaper to just buy a ticket to Rio Gallegos and purchase an onward ticket from there. The ride from Rio Gallegos involves crossing into Chile, a ferry crossing, and back again into Argentina and is advertised as taking around 12 hours (680 pesos as of December 2014; NOTE: change money before getting to Rio Gallegos; offered only 9 pesos per dollar in RG, compared with 11 in El Chalten and 11.5 in Ushuaia *now 13ARS per 1 USD Jan '15 in Ushuaia) However, it is often longer if there are delays at the borders or if the ferry is delayed by inclement weather.

There are city buses within Ushuaia, but they only reach few of the tourist attractions. They are good to get to Playa Larga, for example, or from one part of the center to another, along the east / west axis.

Tours / transport to the main tourist attractions can be booked through the Tourist Office (on San Martin) or through many of the hostels. Regular minibuses leave for the National Park, Glaciar Martial (see more information detailed below), the trailhead of Laguna Esmeralda, or other places, from a parking lot at the corner of Maipu and Fadul.

Taxis are another option, costing, for example, Ar$50 to get from the city centre to either the airport or Glaciar Martial. There are also several car / bicycle hire companies.

View of a restored wing of Presidio. Exhibits are located in each prison cell.

Museo Marítimo, Yagones y Gobernador Paz [6]. Located in an old prison displays a collection of the history of Tierra del Fuego. Admission includes entry into the Presidio which is on the same site as el Museo Marítimo.

Presidio - Museum of the historical military prison of Ushuaia. One wing of the museum has been converted to an art gallery featuring the work of local artists. Museum admission 120 pesos for adults, 70 pesos for students.

Museo del Fin del Mundo, [7]. Highlights include the largest exhibited collection of birds from Tierra del Fuego, the figurehead of the Duchess of Albany (a sunken vessel), and library dedicated to the history and nature of Tierra del Fuego. Admission price of 90 pesos to non-local, non-Argentines (Feb 2015).

Estancia Harberton - Open only in the summer months, Estancia Harberton is a worthwhile trip for those interested in the Bridges family and their role in the local history. It is located about 40 miles East of Ushuaia on the Beagle Channel.

Mastil de General Belgrano - A remote area west of the city of Ushuaia on Isla Redonda, paying tribute to one of the founders of Argentina, and to the navy cruiser named after him which was sunk by the UK in the Falklands War. It was a stop on one of the televised Amazing Race contests, and features a one-person post office for sending letters from the end of the world. Accessible by boat from Playa Larga (approx Can$20).

Museo Mundo Yámana, [8]. Privately run museum with several dioramas of traditional Yaghan/Yámana life, origins and migrations, as well as displays of the period of early contact with Europeans. Located at 56 Rivadavia, near the Museo del Fin del Mundo. Admission price 35 pesos as of November 2012.

Martial Glacier. (59.795176,68.382826)edit - Provided that you wear comfortable shoes and have the patience, a hike up the Glacier Martial will provide a very beautiful view of Ushuaia and the Beagle Chanel. There is also a single ski slope open during the winter months (unfortunately currently closed), and ski hire is available from the site.

There is a Touristic reserve on this area.

Catamaran trips - Catamaran trips will take you around the Beagle channel and give you nice views of the mountains, cormorants, sea lions and penguins.

Tierra del Fuego National Park - This national park provide some nice day hikes on well marked trails. Longer treks are also possible, such as Paso de la Oveja (2 days) or the Sierra Valdivieso Circuit (4 days). These treks cross part of the national park but start and end elsewhere. The Compania de Guias de la Patagonia and Club Andino Ushuaia can help with organisation and renting gear. Park fee for non-locals 140ARS (16.30USD official rate, 10.75USD blue rate).

Cerro Castor - This centre for winter sports offers skiing and snowboarding. Nearby, you can also ride snowcats or husky sleighs.

Kayak the Beagle Channel - Kayaks can be hired near the Aeroparque on the promontory jutting out from Ushuaia. -Just checked (2011) - there are no kayaks for hire anymore without the guide.

Motonave Barracuda sail -ship trips will take you around the Beagle channel and give you nice views of the mountains, cormorants, sea lions and penguins.

Ushuaia Golf Club -Located west of town just before the entrance to the National Park. Probably the southernmost golf course in the world.

Tren del Fin del Mundo --Located west of town just before the entrance to the National Park. A pleasant 45 minute train ride into the park on a narrow guage railway rebuilt on part of the roadbed of the old logging train. Starting from 290 ARS for a round trip (04/2014).

Last Minute Antarctica Cruise with Freestyle Adventure Travel, Gobernador Paz 866 (Between 9 of Julio and Rosas), ☎+54 (9) 2901-609792, [10]. Mon-Sat 9 am to 6pm. If you are interested in Antarctica, Freestyle is a friendly & helpful agency with perfect English & good deals. Talk to Sarah for help on planning an Antarctic voyage. Located at bottom of a ramp on Gob Paz beside Alto Andino Hotel.edit

The main shopping district of Ushuaia is located near the waterfront and offers everything that souvenir-seekers and Antarctic travelers could want. While Antarctic travelers should (obviously) arrive with proper gear already in their possession, quality winter gear including boots, coats, and other necessities can be purchased from a variety of shops.

Altos Restó, Luis Fernando Martial 1441, ☎+54-2901-422990 (restaurante@altosushuaia.com), [11]. from 07.00hs to 23.00hs. Owning some of the best views over the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia's bay, it is the perfect restaurante to enjoy a fantastic moment in this restaurante at any time of the day. It offer special international dishes and Patagonic specialities at middrange prices. It is recommended to book a table in advance, particularly in specific festive dates.edit

Kaupé, Roca 470, ☎+54-2901-422704 (evivian@kaupe.com.ar, fax: +54-2901-422704), [12]. Expensive compared to other restaurants in Ushuaia, but the view is spectacular and the food is absolutely, positively guaranteed not to disappoint.edit

Kuar, Perito Moreno 2232, (info@kuar.com.ar), [13]. A couple of kilometers outside town, right above the rocks by the sea, breathtaking bay views and good live music scene, sophisticated and good but not outstanding and a bit pricey dining. If you don't mind the occasional dropping by of a bunch of gringos, be sure to book a table by the window in the restaurant area or to take a seat by the big wooden steps in the bar area.edit

El Turco, San Martin 1440. Not a restaurant with a Turkish cuisine (if this is what you expect). Open from 12:00 - 15:00 and 20:00 - 24:00. Tasty meals with good price. Ordering takes some time because place is always crowded but serving is fast (so no problem in the end). Nice staff. 5 minutes walk from center.edit

Hotels in Ushuaia are often booked, especially during peak tourist season, thus it is advisable to arrive in Ushuaia with reservations. Hostels are equally crowded during peak season, and you may have some trouble finding accommodations should you arrive without a reservation.

la casa en ushuaia, gobernador paz 1380, ☎54 2901 423202, [15]. checkin: 12:00 am; checkout: 10:00 am. Located at barely two hundred meters from downtown Ushuaia and at three hundred from the beautiful maritime waterfront, six double or single rooms with three bathrooms to be shared between two adjoining rooms only, in an oiginal wooden family house designed and refurbished by its owner/architect. Continental breakfast is included. Free Internet and WIFI. The hostess speaks French, English and Spanish. $. edit

Casa Alba (B&B), Belakamain 247, ☎0054(2901)15612415, [16]. checkin: 10:00am. 20-30 minutes walking distance from center; good part: silent neighbourhood, bad part: weather is cold so hard to walk sometimes. Nice, clean rooms, heating in every room, clean towels, hot water 24 hours, rooms are cleaned every day. Not rich but good breakfast. No kitchen facilities but hot water for tea, coffee, etc. The owner is a nice and helpful lady but has a habit of berating customers as they enter the house and in every question they ask.edit

In December 2014, lowest price for nearly every budget hostel was 180 pesos. Yakush had a 170 peso price for 6 bed dorms.

Antarctica Hostel, [17]. One of the best hostels in town. Just opened recently. Free internet access and breakfast is included. Shared kitchen.Dorm bed Ar$90, double Ar$200. edit

FreeStyle Hostel, [18]. the freestyle has an excellent view of the bay from their 3rd floor common room. Hostel is clean, new and well maintained with internet costing Ar$1 per half hour and breakfast is included. Kitchen is clean and fully stocked with room for perishables. Dorm rooms, private rooms and private rooms with kitchenettes are available.Dorm: Ar$50 pp; Room for 4: Ar$220; Private room (double or single) Ar$180. edit

Altos Ushuaia Hotel, Luis Fernando Martial 1441, ☎+54 (2901) 422990 (info@altosushuaia.com), [24]. checkin: 10.00hs; checkout: 14.00hs. Located at 3 km of Ushuaia center, it offers some magnific scenic views surrounded by a peacefull natural environment. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the marvellous views over the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia's bay from all its wide panoramic windows on public areas. Its three floors are reached by lift and stairs. All its 46 comfortable rooms and suites have views to mountains and/or Beagle Channel. They all have in-room heating temperature controls, LCD and TV cable, hair dryers, safety boxes on its wardrove and minibar. You will not feel isolated at the end of the world here... staff is very friendly and willing to assist you in any way they can, and Internet Wi-Fi is complimentary in all rooms and public areas of the hotel so you can reach your beloved ones back home and spread the word of a fantastic holiday and stay in Altos Ushuaia!edit

Las Lengas Hotel, Goleta Florencia 1722, ☎+54 (2901) 423366 (reservas@laslengashotel.com.ar), [25]. This is the first eco-friendly hotel of Ushuaia and it is located over a natural elevation of the terrain. Thanks to its large floor to ceiling windows, which are insulated and provide natural lighting, it is possible to enjoy the fantastic views over the bay of Ushuaia and Beagle Channel from all public areas of this unique hotel. All 46 rooms and suites are completely insulated and all of them have views to mountains and/or Beagle Channel. They all have in-room heating temperature controls, LCD and TV cable, hair dryers, safety boxes, LED and/or low energy bulbs, flow regulators and dual-flush system. Wi-Fi is complimentary in all rooms and public areas of the hotel. The attached restaurant integrates traditional dishes from Patagonia.edit

Posada Costa Serena, Av. Roca 129, ☎(02901) 43-7212 (posadacostaserena@uolsinectis.com.ar), [26]. Located just next to Av. San Martin in the middle of town, this posada offers simple accommodation with an excellent position. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, 2 computers are available for the use of those without laptops, residents have full use of a kitchen, the room price includes all-day breakfast and snacks (e.g. coffee, cakes) and the managers are very friendly.Rates as of Mar 2007 are 100 pesos for a single and 110 pesos for a double or twin. edit

Tango B&B Ushuaia, (tangobyb@speedy.com.ar), [27]. Offers daily room service, excellent location, seven blocks away from the main street, really exclusive, with warm and drinkable water 24 hours available, free Internet, cable TV in the living room, optional TV in the room, conditioned atmospheres, safe box in front desk, buffet breakfast and the good quality that only the owners/hosts can give you. A Tango show free with the unique view of the Beagle channel and the Islands that surround it.edit

Albatros Hotel, Av. Maipú 505, ☎+54 (2901) 437300 (reservas@albatroshotel.com.ar, fax: +54 (2901) 437300), [28]. Located on the waterfront near the port, this hotel offers 78 comfortable rooms and suites and excellent service. Although most of its rooms do not have a view, they are warmly decorated. Free Wi-Fi is available to all visitors, the room price includes a continental buffet breakfast, and the staff are helpful and speak English. Amenities include the Albatros Spa: Sauna, Scottish and Finnish showers, Hydro-massage and a gym. The use of the spa & health club is included in the rate (only massage sessions need have an extra cost). An on-site restaurant serves international food and also traditional dishes from Patagonia, with an air-conditioned wine cellar featuring Patagonian wines.High season rates (as of January 2012) were US$150-180 for a single or double room, US$175=200 for a triple, and US$225+ for a suite. edit

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!